TROUBLED areas of Poynton may be patrolled by private security guards with dogs by next spring.

The action, following in the footsteps of Macclesfield Borough Council who pay a firm to patrol local parks, may be taken in spite of promises by police to have at least two beat officers on duty in the village.

Poynton Parish Council, still sickened by the police response to a spate of wanton vandalism over the last few months, say that despite the pledge, "police can no longer be recognised as the primary security agents" for the area.

At a meeting of the Finance and General Purposes committee, councillors agreed to put £12,500 onto next year's budget to pay for extra security from April.

They are investigating the cost of employing two security guards with dogs to man troubled "hotspots" such as Park Lane, on Friday to Sunday evenings.

Only two months ago, the parish council launched a full scale attack on the management of Cheshire Constabulary, after it took council officers three days to report an act of vandalism.

They slammed police as "incapable of policing the village", and claimed they would be better off under Greater Manchester Police .

And they pledged to ask her Majesty's Inspectorate Constabulary Division for an investigation into the management of Macclesfield police if they did not get a suitable response.

In November the council met with Chief Inspector Paul Keeling, who promised them a (CAT) Community Action Team and said he would "borrow" officers from other areas if needed on busy nights.

Another meeting last week drew the pledge from Chief Inspector Keeling to never have less than two officers on duty in Poynton at weekends.

But Councillors say that in light of recent events, especially when mourners faced a church daubed in graffiti on Remebrance Sunday, they must take extra measures to protect Poynton.

Councillor Rick Simpson said: "This is a big expenditure, but we recognise that police can no longer be the primary security agent for the area. The responsibility has fallen on our shoulders."

Councillor Lawrence Clarke simply said: "I think it is a disgrace that we are even having this discussion."

Councillors agreed to accept Mr Keeling's proposals but monitor the situation closely over the festive period, before deciding what steps to take next.

Councillor Clarke added: "I only hope the two police officers are there for the times of battles in the streets, these are an extreme concern.

"With more pub openings there is bound to be more trouble, so Christmas and New Year might mark a test of these new police arrangements."

Chief Inspector Paul Keeling said: "From now on we will have more visible policing on the streets and we feel this will have an impact on the situation, and the council may not feel the need for taking extra measures next year."